Michael Heroth
Bachelor’s degree course
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics at the Technische Universität Darmstadt
Master’s degree course
Master of Science in Mechatronics at the Technische Universität Darmstadt
Professional and career goals
My aim is to work in research and development at an automobile company.
Focus and special interests in course of study
In my course I’m focussing on vehicular and automatic control technology.
What do I especially like about my studies at the Technische Universität Darmstadt?
The opportunity to independently design my course of study, and the high degree of professional knowledge among the teaching staff.
What has the scholarship from the Thomas Weiland Foundation enabled me to do?
As a scholarship recipient, I can concentrate even more on my studies, and it financed part of my semester abroad at Virginia Tech.
Sophia Heyde
Bachelor’s degree course
In July 2015 I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the Technische Universität Darmstadt, with a focus on genetic engineering.
Master’s degree course
Currently I’m working towards my Master’s degree in Biological Technologies, still at the Technische Universität Darmstadt, and aim to go on to get my doctorate.
Professional and career goals
My aim is to work in biotech research. I’d like to work in the industrial biotech field, which focusses on developing biotechnological methods for industrial production.
Focus and special interests in course of study
I’m especially fascinated by the idea of using GMOs (genetically modified organisms) for innovative technologies such as the use of renewable energy sources or the creation of oil-based chemicals and fuels to save resources and the environment, and the production of enzymes and food additives in microorganisms. So in my studies I’ve concentrated on genetic technology and microbiology.
What do I especially like about my studies at the Technische Universität Darmstadt?
This is why I’m glad to be at the Technische Universität Darmstadt, where there is a focus on hands-on approaches, interdisciplinary projects and established partnerships with industry and biotech companies.
What has the scholarship from the Thomas Weiland Foundation enabled me to do?
As a scholarship recipient of the Thomas Weiland Foundation, I’ve been able to gain additional international experience, bringing me closer to my goals. Without the scholarship I would have been unable to spend this summer at a three-month research internship at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia and then, for my master’s thesis, to do research at JBEI (Joint Bioenergy Institute) in Berkeley, California, where an international team of scientists is working on new biological systems, processes and technologies to convert biomass into biofuel.
Jörg Schmidt
Bachelor’s degree course
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Technology at the University of Stuttgart
Master’s degree course
Master of Science in Computational Engineering with a focus on Mechanical Engineering
Professional and career goals
I’m interested in all fields with a wide variety of tasks and which feature innovative technologies. After my studies I’d like to work in an engineering and/or management job at the interface of engineering and IT.
Focus and special interests in course of study
I decided to get my Master’s in Computational Engineering so that I could attend classes in Computer Science along with the subjects in Mechanical Engineering. I really like this combination and I’ve received a lot of positive feedback from companies on it too.
It also means I can make my studies a bit broader than I could if I were enrolled in a traditional course. Broadening one’s perspective like this for a Master’s degree is unusual, because Master’s courses are often very specialised. But I really enjoy having the option to choose among a large number of engineering classes and being able to broaden my professional horizon that way.
The subjects that especially interest me are: Engine Technology (airplane engines, gas turbines, rocket engines), Aerospace Technology, heat transfer theory and experimental practice, Numerical Methods.
What do I especially like about my studies at the Technische Universität Darmstadt?
The Technische Universität Darmstadt is a very modern and innovative university, not just in terms of research, but in teaching and administration as well. I enjoy being a student there because you can tell that the university invests in the quality of the teaching: there are new or newly renovated lecture halls, a lot of well-equipped workrooms for students, and of course the entire curriculum is available online, on OpenLearnWare or in the form of lecture notes.
Besides this, it’s a multifaceted university which, along with the scientific and technical fields, has many offerings in the social sciences too. The university has a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary courses – you can tell that interdisciplinary studies are a real priority here and are funded accordingly.
What has the scholarship from the Thomas Weiland Foundation enabled me to do?
Most of all, the scholarship has allowed me concentrate fully on my studies for the first time, because I don’t have to work while enrolled. Even though I think a part-time job as a research assistant is a good idea for a student, to gain practical experience and learn new things, for me there is a real difference in how I can devote my time to my studies.
In August I’m going to spend a year studying at an American partner university of the Technische Universität Darmstadt. The scholarship will be help me finance my stay.
Aliena Trillig
Bachelor’s degree course
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Civil Engineering at the Technische Universität Darmstadt
Master’s degree course
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Civil Engineering and a minor in Real Estate Management Technology
Professional and career goals
When I’ve finished my studies I’d like to work in project development.
Focus and special interests in course of study
This is why I chose a minor in Real Estate Management Technology, because it unites the aspects of building management, design and construction possibilities within existing structures. In addition, my minor has taught me about the economic side (Real Estate Business Administration) of project development, financing and project management in real estate, and running real estate properties.
What do I especially like about my studies at the Darmstadt University of Technology?
What I like about the university is particularly the broad choice of classes in both engineering and business/economics. At the post-master’s level, the course size goes down dramatically, so there is a lot more interaction between professors and students during the lectures. In addition, we have the opportunity to satisfy some seminar and lecture requirements with practical internships, which means that we have contact with potential employers while we’re still at university. The Technische Universität Darmstadt also has excellent sport offerings, excursions and student and other university events, so apart from our studies we can do a lot of things with our friends and fellow students.
What has the scholarship from the Thomas Weiland Foundation enabled me to do?
Crucially, the scholarship from the Thomas Weiland Foundation has allowed me to free up time so that I can concentrate fully on my studies. I’d also like to spend a semester abroad at the end of my studies, and the scholarship will enable me to do that.